Batman: The Killing Joke Animated Movie Announced SDCC 2015

As San Diego's International Comic-Con continues, so the major announcements that fans have been waiting to hear. But this one was unexpected. At the DC Entertainment panel for Justice League: Gods and Monsters, fans were treated to a this spectacular announcement; that we will be getting an animated adaptation of The Killing Joke, titled Batman: The Killing Joke by Bruce Timm.

The Killing Joke's Origins

For those of you who have never read Allen Moore's and Brain Bolland's The Killing Joke graphic novel is acclaimed as one of the greatest, and slightly controversial, pieces of work in the entire DC comic universe. And for good reason, as the story is just plain awesome! It's actually how they tried to explain the Joker's origins - something that is still a mystery today.

The Plot From The Comics

In the comics, The Joker escapes Arkham, shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon in order to terrorize her father, Gotham City Police Commissioner Jim Gordon.

From the original graphic novel, we saw The Joker not only escape Arkham Asylum, but actually put a bullet into Barbara Gordon, ultimately paralyzing her. Why, you ask? Because what better way to terrorize Jim Gordon, whom our devious clown cannot stand, then to shoot and paralyze Barbara.

The Plot For the Animated Movie

While not much is actually known yet about how close to the comic story the adaptation will follow, it has been comicbookmovie.com has some interesting information about a prologue that will introduce us to the series:

It’ll feature an original 15-minute prologue that helps set up the story, giving even longtime fans of the story something new to look forward to.

My gut is telling me that this prologue will show what the Joker did to land himself in Arkham, and how it ties into Jim and Brabara Gordon, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Casting

With the announcement just happening at San Diego Comic-Con, casting news is next to nothing. But there is one voice actor that is very likely to return. That's right ladies and gentlemen - I'm talking about Mark Hammill himself!

For those of you don't know Mark, he was the voice of the Joker in many DC animated series. While currently retired, Mark Hammill stated he would deviate from his retirement should there ever be an adaptation of the iconic The Killing Joke story line. Well, today may just mark his return to the DC animated universe! While nothing is official on his return, fans have been blowing up social networks with high hopes that the actor would reprise his role.

Well, that's all we have for now, but be sure to keep checking as updates will more than likely be pouring in about the new animated movie over the next few weeks!